TNA Impact Wrestling Review - October 8, 2014

The Wolves retain their World Tag Team Titles.

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

MVP and Kenny King Interrupted Bobby Roode

Roode cut a solid promo on why he deserve another shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship while MVP and King also played their respective roles well. I like how they're the ones doing all the talking for Lashley and Roode exposing them as his lackeys was a nice touch. This was a logical way of setting up the Handicap match for later in the night.


Madison Rayne def. Taryn Terrell and Angelina Love in a No. 1 Contender's Triple Threat Match for the Knockouts Championship

The idea of this match happening made no sense, especially after the commentators talked about how the match between Havok and Velvet Sky at Bound for Glory will be for the Knockouts Championship. What did Sky ever do to earn a shot at the title? The match itself was decent for what it was, but we've seen better from the ladies involved in singles action. The seeds were planted for a Rayne heel turn, but then why would she be contending for a title held by a heel?

---

MVP and Kenny King double team Bobby Roode.

James Storm and Sanada def. Low-Ki and Tigre Uno

Even though it's a direct rip-off of The Wyatt Family, I've been liking Storm's stable as of late and I appreciated the intensity they showed in this match. I figured it'd be a throwaway match to give the heels heat going into Sunday, but it was much more entertaining than I thought it would be. It's mind-boggling to me that TNA isn't doing more with the talented Tigre Uno, and why give Low-Ki a loss going into his X-Division Championship match on Sunday? Nevertheless, the finish was well done and the Storm/Sanada vs. Muta/Tajiri match is the only bout on the Bound for Glory card I'm actually looking forward to.


Bram def. Sam Shaw in a Hardcore Match

I rolled my eyes when I saw Shaw and Gunner backstage together. I'm all for storyline consistency, but I was hoping they'd drop the asinine angle at the recent set of tapings instead of carry on with it. Anyway, this was a fun match the live crowd enjoyed, but I've grown tiresome of hardcore matches these last few months. The stipulation was unnecessary, but it would've been a boring bout without it. I will say I'm intrigued by Brittany's fascination with Shaw and where it'll lead.


Bobby Roode def. MVP and Kenny King in a 2-on-1 Handicap Elimination Match

Given the participants, it wasn't much of a surprise that they delivered a good match. I hate Handicap matches with a passion, but at this one in particular had a purpose and meaning to it. I didn't understand why MVP was eliminated first and why he was pinned instead of being protected like King. Lashley's attack on Roode was well done and I anticipate their upcoming rematch for the world title.


Ethan Carter III Fired Rockstar Spud

TNA has done a lot of things wrong over the years (and I mean A LOT), but if there's one thing they've done right recently, it's building up EC3 the right way by protecting him at all costs and keeping his undefeated streak alive. Has it been one year already? Both he and Spud were great here and the audience was anxious to see Spud break free from Carter. I guess they're waiting on them to engage in a full-on brawl, but the fact they went from EC3 firing Spud immediately into the next segment was puzzling. Why not give it a minute to digest with viewers before moving on?


TNA World Tag Team Champions The Wolves def. The Hardys and Team 3D in a Full Metal Mayhem Match

Nothing I say/write will do this match justice, but I'll attempt to do my best. First off, wow! What a match! The action was phenomenal from bell to bell and it was everything I expected it to be and more. Everyone involved worked tremendously hard and deserve props for all the insane spots the executed. I was glad to see it get the time it deserved and it was by far the best bout in the series. Hell, I'll go so far to say it was one of the best TNA matches this year (even though there isn't much competition). The Wolves were essentially solidified as stars with their win here but now the question is, where do they go from here?


Overall Show

This was an enjoyable edition of Impact Wrestling on the whole made memorable with the stellar main event. It's not the quality of the program that's been lacking; it's the lack of buzz surrounding the product. I'd call this a terrible go-home show, but it's obvious TNA hasn't bothered to hype up Bound for Glory in any meaningful way, so it doesn't really matter. Seriously, if TNA doesn't care about their biggest show of the year, why should the viewers? I know they're focused on landing a TV deal, but they need to put effort into their events if they want the product to improve.

---